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Vitamin
E | Tocopherol |
What is the
importance of vitamin E
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Vitamin
E - Tocopherol - The
Anti-Ageing Vitamin
Eight different tocopherol
compounds with vitamin E
activity have been
identified. All of them have
the same physiological
properties. The tocopherols
are yellow, oily liquids,
freely soluble in fat
solvents. They are not
easily destroyed by heat
even at room temperature
above 100C or 212F.
Substances which interfere
with or destroy vitamin E in
the body are iron compounds,
synthetic estrogen, and
chlorine or chlorinated
water.
Approximately 50 to 85
percent of vitamin E in the
diet is absorbed from the
gastro-intestinal tract by a
mechanism similar to that of
other fat-soluble vitamins.
It enters the bloodstream
via the lymph. The vitamin
is stored in all the
tissues, and the tissue
stores can provide
protection against the
deficiency of this vitamin
for long periods.
Deficiency of vitamin E
may lead to
degenerative changes in the
blood capillaries
which, in turn, can lead to
heart and lung disease,
pulmonary embolism, and a
brain stroke.
Deficiency of this vitamin
may also lead to loss of
sexual potency. A
prolonged deficiency may
lead to reproductive
disorders, abortions,
miscarriages, male or female
sterility, as well as
muscular disorders.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fat soluble vitamins do not
leave your body if you take
too much. It is possible to
overdose on vitamin E
and become very ill. Please
watch dosages carefully.
Never give children
vitamin E unless your
health care practitioner
recommends it. (Vitamin E
in a children's multi
vitamin is OK)
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How do you know if you
need more vitamin E?
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Dry skin and a
decreased interest in
sex are the most common
indicators of a vitamin
E deficiency. For dry
skin, use vitamin E both
internally and
externally.
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How much vitamin E
do you need?
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It is
impossible for anyone to
tell you how much of any
particular vitamin you need.
We have read many articles
and reports on this subject
and no two are alike. There
are too many variables
involved. Your age, your
height and weight, your
health and lifestyle, etc.
The best way for you to
decide which supplements you
need is to read these pages
and make note of any health
problems you may be having
which could be associated
with a vitamin deficiency.
Then start taking a small
dose. If your symptoms don't
go away after a week or two,
increase your dosage.
Continue this until your
symptoms are relieved and
stay with that dosage.
Guideline is for a 150 pound
adult:
- Men: 400 IU
- Women: 400 IU
Always consult your
doctor or midwife during
pregnancy and lactation.
Always start small and
work your way up, if needed.
Please be careful when
dealing with fat soluble
vitamins as your body
retains these for extended
periods of time. It is
possible to take to much of
these types of vitamins.
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How to get enough
vitamin E?
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Eating a
variety of foods that
contain vitamin E is
the best way to get an
adequate amount. Healthy
individuals who eat a
balanced diet may not need
supplements. In fact, too
much vitamin E can be
toxic. Select foods that
contain excellent to good
sources of vitamin E
each day. Such as the
following:
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wheat germ oil |
almonds |
brown rice |
sunflower oil |
cashews |
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soy bean oil |
walnuts |
shrimp |
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If you
eat an abundant quantity
of the above foods, you
will not have to worry
about supplementing your
diet with extra
Vitamin E. If you
don't eat much of the
above foods, you might
consider adding a
supplement.
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We
get all our personal
use vitamins and supplements
from
Puritan's Pride .
We highly recommend you
do the same, for
all your vitamin and
supplement needs. Their
products are always
fresh and of the highest
quality. Their prices
can't be beat, not even
by Wal-Mart. Shipping is
very fast and
inexpensive. |
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